Comparative genomics reveals insight into the phylogeny and habitat adaptation of novel Amycolatopsis species, an endophytic actinomycete associated with scab lesions on potato tubers

A novel endophytic actinomycete, strain MEP2-6T, was isolated from scab tissues of potato tubers collected from Mae Fag Mai Sub-district, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Strain MEP2-6T is a gram-positive filamentous bacteria characterized by meso-diaminopimelic acid in cell wall peptidoglycan and arabinose, galactose, glucose, and ribose in whole-cell hydrolysates. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine were the major phospholipids, of which MK-9(H6) was the predominant menaquinone, whereas iso-C16:0 and iso-C15:0 were the major cellular fatty acids. The genome of the strain was 10,277,369 bp in size with a G + C content of 71.7%. The 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic and core phylogenomic analyses revealed that strain MEP2-6T was closely related to Amycolatopsis lexingtonensis NRRL B-24131T (99.4%), A. pretoriensis DSM 44654T (99.3%), and A. eburnea GLM-1T (98.9%). Notably, strain MEP2-6T displayed 91.7%, 91.8%, and 87% ANIb and 49%, 48.8%, and 35.4% dDDH to A. lexingtonensis DSM 44653T (=NRRL B-24131T), A. eburnea GLM-1T, and A. pretoriensis DSM 44654T, respectively. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic data, strain MEP2-6T could be officially assigned to a novel species within the genus Amycolatopsis, for which the name Amycolatopsis solani sp. nov. has been proposed. The type of strain is MEP2-6T (=JCM 36309T = TBRC 17632T = NBRC 116395T). Amycolatopsis solani MEP2-6T was strongly proven to be a non-phytopathogen of potato scab disease because stunting of seedlings and necrotic lesions on potato tuber slices were not observed, and there were no core biosynthetic genes associated with the BGCs of phytotoxin-inducing scab lesions. Furthermore, comparative genomics can provide a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms that enable A. solani MEP2-6T to adapt to the plant endosphere. Importantly, the strain smBGCs accommodated 33 smBGCs encoded for several bioactive compounds, which could be beneficially applied in the fields of agriculture and medicine. Consequently, strain MEP2-6T is a promising candidate as a novel biocontrol agent and antibiotic producer.

Cellulolytic and Ethanologenic Evaluation of Heterotermes indicola's Gut-Associated Bacterial Isolates

Cellulose is the basic component of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) making it a suitable substrate for bioethanol fermentation. Cellulolytic and ethanologenic bacteria possess cellulases that convert cellulose to glucose, which in turn yields ethanol subsequently. Heterotermes indicola is a subterranean termite that causes destructive damage by consuming wooden structures of infrastructure, LCB products, etc. Prospectively, the study envisioned the screening of cellulolytic and ethanologenic bacteria from the termite gut. Twenty six bacterial strains (H1-H26) based on varied colonial morphologies were isolated. Bacterial cellulolytic activity was tested biochemically. Marked gas production in the form of bubbles (0.1-4 cm) in Durham tubes was observed in H3, H7, H13, H15, H17, H21, and H22. Sugar degradation of all isolates was indicated by pink to maroon color development with the tetrazolium salt. Hallow zones (0.42-11 mm) by Congo red staining was exhibited by all strains except H2, H7, H8, and H19. Among the 26 bacterial isolates, 12 strains were identified as efficient cellulolytic bacteria. CMCase activity and ethanol titer of all isolates varied from 1.30 ± 0.03 (H13) to 1.83 ± 0.01 (H21) umol/mL/min and 2.36 ± 0.01 (H25) to 7.00 ± 0.01 (H21) g/L, respectively. Likewise, isolate H21 exhibited an ethanol yield of 0.40 ± 0.10 g/g with 78.38 ± 2.05% fermentation efficiency. Molecular characterization of four strains, Staphylococcus sp. H13, Acinetobacter baumanni H17, Acinetobacter sp. H21, and Acinetobacter nosocomialis H22, were based on the maximum cellulolytic index and the ethanol yield. H. indicola harbor promising and novel bacteria with a natural cellulolytic tendency for efficient bioconversion of LCB to value-added products. Hence, the selected cellulolytic bacteria can become an excellent addition for use in enzyme purification, composting, and production of biofuel at large.

Systematic bioprospection for cellulolytic actinomycetes in the Chihuahuan Desert: isolation and enzymatic profiling

The quest for microbial cellulases has intensified as a response to global challenges in biofuel production. The efficient deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass holds promise for generating valuable products in various industries such as food, textile, and detergents. This article presents a systematic bioprospection aimed at isolating actinomycetes with exceptional cellulose deconstruction capabilities. Our methodology explored the biodiverse oligotrophic region of Cuatro Cienegas, Coahuila, within the Chihuahuan Desert. Among the evaluated actinomycetes collection, 78% exhibited cellulolytic activity. Through a meticulous screening process based on enzymatic index evaluation, we identified a highly cellulolytic Streptomyces strain for further investigation. Submerged fermentation of this strain revealed an endoglucanase enzymatic activity of 149 U/mg. Genomic analysis of strain Streptomyces sp. STCH565-A revealed unique configurations of carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) genes, underscoring its potential for lignocellulosic bioconversion applications. These findings not only highlight the significance of the Chihuahuan Desert as a rich source of cellulolytic microorganisms but also offer insights into the systematic exploration and selection of high-performing cellulolytic microorganisms for application in diverse environmental contexts. In conclusion, our bioprospecting study lays a foundation for harnessing the cellulolytic potential of actinomycetes from the Chihuahuan Desert, with implications for advancing cellulose deconstruction processes in various industries. The findings can serve as a blueprint for future bioprospecting efforts in different regions, facilitating the targeted discovery of microorganisms with exceptional cellulosic deconstruction capabilities.

Towards sustainable Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) in dairy processing: Exploring enzyme-based approaches to cleaning in the Cheese industry

Cleaning-in-place (CIP) is the most commonly used cleaning and sanitation system for processing lines, equipment, and storage facilities such as milk silos in the global dairy processing industry. CIP employs thermal treatments and nonbiodegradable chemicals (acids and alkalis), requiring appropriate neutralization before disposal, resulting in sustainability challenges. In addition, biofilms are a major source of contamination and spoilage in dairy industries, and it is believed that current chemical CIP protocols do not entirely destroy biofilms. Use of enzymes as effective agents for CIP and as a more sustainable alternative to chemicals and thermal treatments is gaining interest. Enzymes offer several advantages when used for CIP, such as reduced water usage (less rinsing), lower operating temperatures resulting in energy savings, shorter cleaning times, and lower costs for wastewater treatment. Additionally, they are typically derived from natural sources, are easy to neutralize, and do not produce hazardous waste products. However, even with such advantages, enzymes for CIP within the dairy processing industry remain focused mainly on membrane cleaning. Greater adoption of enzyme-based CIP for cheese industries is projected pending a greater knowledge relating to cost, control of the process (inactivation kinetics), reusability of enzyme solutions, and the potential for residual activity, including possible effects on the subsequent product batches. Such studies are essential for the cheese industry to move toward more energy-efficient and sustainable cleaning solutions.

Marine Cellulases and their Biotechnological Significance from Industrial Perspectives

Marine microorganisms represent virtually unlimited sources of novel biological compounds and can survive extreme conditions. Cellulases, a group of enzymes that are able to degrade cellulosic materials, are in high demand in various industrial and biotechnological applications, such as in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, food, fuel, agriculture, and single-cell protein, and as probiotics in aquaculture. The cellulosic biopolymer is a renewable resource and is a linearly arranged polysaccharide of glucose, with repeating units of disaccharide connected via β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, which are broken down by cellulase. A great deal of biodiversity resides in the ocean, and marine systems produce a wide range of distinct, new bioactive compounds that remain available but dormant for many years. The marine environment is filled with biomass from known and unknown vertebrates and invertebrate microorganisms, with much potential for use in medicine and biotechnology. Hence, complex polysaccharides derived from marine sources are a rich resource of microorganisms equipped with enzymes for polysaccharides degradation. Marine cellulases' extracts from the isolates are tested for their functional role in degrading seaweed and modifying wastes to low molecular fragments. They purify and renew environments by eliminating possible feedstocks of pollution. This review aims to examine the various types of marine cellulase producers and assess the ability of these microorganisms to produce these enzymes and their subsequent biotechnological applications.

Cellulose-deconstruction potential of nano-biocatalytic systems: A strategic drive from designing to sustainable applications of immobilized cellulases

Nanostructured materials along with an added value of polymers-based support carriers have gained high interest and considered ideal for enzyme immobilization. The recently emerged nanoscience interface in the form of nanostructured materials combined with immobilized-enzyme-based bio-catalysis has now become research and development frontiers in advance and applied bio-catalysis engineering. With the involvement of nanoscience, various polymers have been thoroughly developed and exploited to nanostructured engineer constructs as ideal support carriers/matrices. Such nanotechnologically engineered support carriers/matrix possesses unique structural, physicochemical, and functional attributes which equilibrate principal factors and strengthen the biocatalysts efficacy for multipurpose applications. In addition, nano-supported catalysts are potential alternatives that can outstrip several limitations of conventional biocatalysts, such as reduced catalytic efficacy and turnover, low mass transfer efficiency, instability during the reaction, and most importantly, partial, or complete inhibition/deactivation. In this context, engineering robust and highly efficient biocatalysts is an industrially relevant prerequisite. This review comprehensively covered various biopolymers and nanostructured materials, including silica, hybrid nanoflower, nanotubes or nanofibers, nanomembranes, graphene oxide nanoparticles, metal-oxide frameworks, and magnetic nanoparticles as robust matrices for cellulase immobilization. The work is further enriched by spotlighting applied and industrially relevant considerations of nano-immobilized cellulases. For instance, owing to the cellulose-deconstruction features of nano-immobilized cellulases, the applications like lignocellulosic biomass conversion into industrially useful products or biofuels, improved paper sheet density and pulp beat in paper and pulp industry, fruit juice clarification in food industry are evident examples of cellulases, thereof are discussed in this work.

Cellulases: From Bioactivity to a Variety of Industrial Applications

Utilization of microbial enzymes has been widely reported for centuries, but the commercial use of enzymes has been recently adopted. Particularly, cellulases have been utilized in various commercial sectors including agriculture, brewing, laundry, pulp and paper and textile industry. Cellulases of microbial origin have shown their potential application in various commercial sectors including textile, pulp and paper, laundry, brewing, agriculture and biofuel. Cellulases have diversified applications in the food industry, food service, food supply and its preservation. Indeed, cellulases can tenderize fruits, clarify the fruit juices, reduce roughage in dough, hydrolyze the roasted coffee, extract tea polyphenols and essential oils from olives and can increase aroma and taste in food items. However, their role in food industries has by and large remained neglected. The use of immobilized cellulases has further expanded their application in fruit and vegetable processing as it potentiates the catalytic power and reduces the cost of process. Technological and scientific developments will further expand their potential usage in the food industry.

Rhizosphere Colonization Determinants by Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)

Simple Summary

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are an eco-friendly alternative to the use of chemicals in agricultural production and crop protection. However, the efficacy of PGPR as bioinoculants can be diminished by a low capacity to colonize spaces in the rhizosphere. In this work, we review pioneering and recent developments on several important functions that rhizobacteria exhibit in order to compete, colonize, and establish themselves in the plant rhizosphere. Therefore, the use of highly competitive strains in open field trials should be a priority, in order to have consistent and better results in agricultural production activities.

Abstract

The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the field has been hampered by a number of gaps in the knowledge of the mechanisms that improve plant growth, health, and production. These gaps include (i) the ability of PGPR to colonize the rhizosphere of plants and (ii) the ability of bacterial strains to thrive under different environmental conditions. In this review, different strategies of PGPR to colonize the rhizosphere of host plants are summarized and the advantages of having highly competitive strains are discussed. Some mechanisms exhibited by PGPR to colonize the rhizosphere include recognition of chemical signals and nutrients from root exudates, antioxidant activities, biofilm production, bacterial motility, as well as efficient evasion and suppression of the plant immune system. Moreover, many PGPR contain secretion systems and produce antimicrobial compounds, such as antibiotics, volatile organic compounds, and lytic enzymes that enable them to restrict the growth of potentially phytopathogenic microorganisms. Finally, the ability of PGPR to compete and successfully colonize the rhizosphere should be considered in the development and application of bioinoculants.

The Root Microbiome of Salicornia ramosissima as a Seedbank for Plant-Growth Promoting Halotolerant Bacteria

Root−associated microbial communities play important roles in the process of adaptation of plant hosts to environment stressors, and in this perspective, the microbiome of halophytes represents a valuable model for understanding the contribution of microorganisms to plant tolerance to salt. Although considered as the most promising halophyte candidate to crop cultivation, Salicornia ramosissima is one of the least-studied species in terms of microbiome composition and the effect of sediment properties on the diversity of plant-growth promoting bacteria associated with the roots. In this work, we aimed at isolating and characterizing halotolerant bacteria associated with the rhizosphere and root tissues of S. ramosissima, envisaging their application in saline agriculture. Endophytic and rhizosphere bacteria were isolated from wild and crop cultivated plants, growing in different estuarine conditions. Isolates were identified based on 16S rRNA sequences and screened for plant-growth promotion traits. The subsets of isolates from different sampling sites were very different in terms of composition but consistent in terms of the plant-growth promoting traits represented. Bacillus was the most represented genus and expressed the wider range of extracellular enzymatic activities. Halotolerant strains of Salinicola, Pseudomonas, Oceanobacillus, Halomonas, Providencia, Bacillus, Psychrobacter and Brevibacterium also exhibited several plant-growth promotion traits (e.g., 3-indole acetic acid (IAA), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase, siderophores, phosphate solubilization). Considering the taxonomic diversity and the plant-growth promotion potential of the isolates, the collection represents a valuable resource that can be used to optimize the crop cultivation of Salicornia under different environmental conditions and for the attenuation of salt stress in non-halophytes, considering the global threat of arable soil salinization.

Production and partial characterization of a crude cold-active cellulase (CMCase) from Bacillus mycoides AR20-61 isolated from an Alpine forest site

Purpose

To evaluate the production of a cold-active CMCase (endoglucanase) by Bacillus mycoides AR20-61 isolated from Alpine forest soil and to characterize the crude enzyme.

Methods

After studying the effect of cultivation parameters (medium composition, temperature, NaCl concentration, pH) on bacterial growth and enzyme production, the crude enzyme was characterized with regard to the effect of pH, temperature, and inhibitors on enzyme activity and stability.

Result

Optimum growth and enzyme production occurred at 20–25 °C, pH 7, and 1–1.5% (w/v) CMC. Despite high biomass production over the whole growth temperature range (10–35 °C), enzyme production was low at 10 and 35 °C. CMC concentration had a minor effect on growth, independent of the growth temperature, but a significant effect on CMCase production at temperatures ≥ 20 °C. The crude enzyme was active over a broad temperature range (0–60 °C); the apparent optimum temperature for activity was at 40–50 °C. The cultivation temperature influenced the effect of temperature on enzyme activity and stability. A significantly higher thermosensitivity of the enzyme produced at a cultivation temperature of 10 °C compared to that produced at 25 °C was noted at 50 and 65 °C. The enzyme was highly active over a pH range of 4–6 and showed optimum activity at pH 5. No activity was lost after 60 min of incubation at 30 °C and pH 4–9. The CMCase was resistant against a number of monovalent and divalent metal ions, metal-chelating agents, and phenol.

Conclusion

The CMCase produced by the studied strain is characterized by high activities in the low temperature range (down to 0 °C) and acidic pH range, high stability over a broad pH range, and high resistance against a number of effectors. Our results also demonstrate the different, independent roles of temperature in bacterial growth, enzyme production, nutrient requirements during enzyme production, and enzyme characteristics regarding thermosensitivity, which has not yet been described for cellulases.

Bacteria Belonging to Pseudomonas typographi sp. nov. from the Bark Beetle Ips typographus Have Genomic Potential to Aid in the Host Ecology

Simple Summary

European Bark Beetle (Ips typographus) is a pest that affects dead and weakened spruce trees. Under certain environmental conditions, it has massive outbreaks, resulting in attacks of healthy trees, becoming a forest pest. It has been proposed that the bark beetle’s microbiome plays a key role in the insect’s ecology, providing nutrients, inhibiting pathogens, and degrading tree defense compounds, among other probable traits. During a study of bacterial associates from I. typographus, we isolated three strains identified as Pseudomonas from different beetle life stages. In this work, we aimed to reveal the taxonomic status of these bacterial strains and to sequence and annotate their genomes to mine possible traits related to a role within the bark beetle holobiont. Our study indicates that these bacteria constitute a new species for which the name of Pseudomonas typographi sp. nov. is proposed. Moreover, their genome analysis suggests different metabolic pathways possibly related to the beetle’s ecology. Finally, in vitro tests conclude the capability of these bacteria to inhibit beetle’s fungal pathogens. Altogether, these results suggest that P. typographi aids I. typographi nutrition and resistance to fungal pathogens. These findings might be of interest in the development of integrated methods for pest control.

Abstract

European Bark Beetle Ips typographus is a secondary pest that affects dead and weakened spruce trees (Picea genus). Under certain environmental conditions, it has massive outbreaks, resulting in the attacks of healthy trees, becoming a forest pest. It has been proposed that the bark beetle’s microbiome plays a key role in the insect’s ecology, providing nutrients, inhibiting pathogens, and degrading tree defense compounds, among other probable traits yet to be discovered. During a study of bacterial associates from I. typographus, we isolated three strains identified as Pseudomonas from different beetle life stages. A polyphasic taxonomical approach showed that they belong to a new species for which the name Pseudomonas typographi sp nov. is proposed. Genome sequences show their potential to hydrolyze wood compounds and synthesize several vitamins; screening for enzymes production was verified using PNP substrates. Assays in Petri dishes confirmed cellulose and xylan hydrolysis. Moreover, the genomes harbor genes encoding chitinases and gene clusters involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial potential. In vitro tests confirmed the capability of the three P. typographi strains to inhibit several Ips beetles’ pathogenic fungi. Altogether, these results suggest that P. typographi aids I. typographi nutrition and resistance to fungal pathogens.

Draft genome sequence of Parvularcula flava strain NH6-79 T, revealing its role as a cellulolytic enzymes producer

To date, the genus Parvularcula consists of 6 species and no potential application of this genus was reported. Current study presents the genome sequence of Parvularcula flava strain NH6-79 ^T and its cellulolytic enzyme analysis. The assembled draft genome of strain NH6-79 ^T consists of 9 contigs and 7 scaffolds with 3.68 Mbp in size and GC content of 59.87%. From a total of 3,465 genes predicted, 96 of them are annotated as glycoside hydrolases (GHs). Within these GHs, 20 encoded genes are related to cellulosic biomass degradation, including 12 endoglucanases (5 GH10, 4 GH5, and 3 GH51), 2 exoglucanases (GH9) and 6 β-glucosidases (GH3). In addition, highest relative enzyme activities (endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase) were observed at 27th hour when the strain was cultured in the carboxymethyl cellulose/Avicel^®-containing medium for 45 h. The combination of genome analysis with experimental studies indicated the ability of strain NH6-79 ^T to produce extracellular endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase. These findings suggest the potential of Parvularcula flava strain NH6-79 ^T in cellulose-containing biomass degradation and that the strain could be used in cellulosic biorefining process.

Genome Insights into the Novel Species Microvirga brassicacearum, a Rapeseed Endophyte with Biotechnological Potential

Plants harbor a diversity of microorganisms constituting the plant microbiome. Many bioinoculants for agricultural crops have been isolated from plants. Nevertheless, plants are an underexplored niche for the isolation of microorganisms with other biotechnological applications. As a part of a collection of canola endophytes, we isolated strain CDVBN77^T. Its genome sequence shows not only plant growth-promoting (PGP) mechanisms, but also genetic machinery to produce secondary metabolites, with potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry, and to synthesize hydrolytic enzymes, with potential applications in biomass degradation industries. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of strain CDVBN77^T shows that it belongs to the genus Microvirga, its closest related species being M. aerophila DSM 21344^T (97.64% similarity) and M. flavescens c27j1^T (97.50% similarity). It contains ubiquinone 10 as the predominant quinone, C19:0 cycloω8c and summed feature 8 as the major fatty acids, and phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine as the most abundant polar lipids. Its genomic DNA G+C content is 62.3 (mol %). Based on phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic analyses, we suggest the classification of strain CDVBN77^T within a new species of the genus Microvirga and propose the name Microvirga brassicacearum sp. nov. (type strain CDVBN77^T = CECT 9905^T = LMG 31419^T).

Cellulase-Hemicellulase Activities and Bacterial Community Composition of Different Soils from Algerian Ecosystems

Soil microorganisms are important mediators of carbon cycling in nature. Although cellulose- and hemicellulose-degrading bacteria have been isolated from Algerian ecosystems, the information on the composition of soil bacterial communities and thus the potential of their members to decompose plant residues is still limited. The objective of the present study was to describe and compare the bacterial community composition in Algerian soils (crop, forest, garden, and desert) and the activity of cellulose- and hemicellulose-degrading enzymes. Bacterial communities were characterized by high-throughput 16S amplicon sequencing followed by the in silico prediction of their functional potential. The highest lignocellulolytic activity was recorded in forest and garden soils whereas activities in the agricultural and desert soils were typically low. The bacterial phyla Proteobacteria (in particular classes α-proteobacteria, δ-proteobacteria, and γ-proteobacteria), Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria dominated in all soils. Forest and garden soils exhibited higher diversity than agricultural and desert soils. Endocellulase activity was elevated in forest and garden soils. In silico analysis predicted higher share of genes assigned to general metabolism in forest and garden soils compared with agricultural and arid soils, particularly in carbohydrate metabolism. The highest potential of lignocellulose decomposition was predicted for forest soils, which is in agreement with the highest activity of corresponding enzymes.

Cellulases: Role in Lignocellulosic Biomass Utilization

Rapid depletion of fossil fuels worldwide presents a dire situation demanding a potential replacement to surmount the current energy crisis. Lignocellulose presents a logical candidate to be exploited at industrial scale owing to its vast availability, inexpensive and renewable nature. Microbial degradation of lignocellulosic biomass is a lucrative, sustainable, and promising approach to obtain valuable commercial commodities at gigantic scale. The enzymatic hydrolysis involving cellulases is fundamental to all the technologies needed to transform lignocellulosic biomass to valuable industry relevant products. Cellulases have enormous potential to utilize cellulosic biomass, thus reducing environmental stress in addition to production of commodity chemicals resolving the current challenge to meet the energy needs globally. The substitution of petroleum-based fuels with bio-based fuels is the subject of thorough research establishing biofuel production as the future technology to achieve a sustainable, eco-friendly society with a zero waste approach.

Marine Microbes as a Potential Source of Cellulolytic Enzymes

Marine environment hosts the wide range of habitats with remarkably high and diverse microbial populations. The ability of marine microorganisms to survive in extreme temperature, salinity, and pressure depends on the function of multivarious enzyme systems that in turn provide vast potential for biotechnological exploration studies. Therefore, the enzymes from marine microorganism represent novel bio catalytic potential with stable and reliable properties. Microbial cellulases constitute a major group of industrial enzymes that find applications in various industries. Majority of cellulases are of terrestrial origin, and very limited research has been carried out to explore marine microbes as a source of cellulases. This chapter presents an overview about the types of marine polysaccharases, classification and potential applications of cellulases, different sources of marine cellulases, and their future perspectives.

Bioprospecting around Arctic islands: Marine bacteria as rich source of biocatalysts

We have investigated the biotechnological potential of Arctic marine bacteria for their ability to produce a broad spectrum of cold-active enzymes. Marine bacteria exhibiting these features are of great interest for both fundamental research and industrial applications. Macrobiota, water and sediment samples have been collected during 2010 and 2011 expeditions around the Lofoten and Svalbard islands. Bacteria were isolated from this material and identified through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis for the purpose of establishing a culture collection of marine Arctic bacteria. Herein, we present the functional screening for different extracellular enzymatic activities from 100 diversely chosen microbial isolates incubated at 4 and 20 °C. The production of esterase/lipase, DNase, and protease activities were revealed in 67, 53, and 56% of the strains, respectively, while 41, 23, 9, and 7% of the strains possessed amylase, chitinase, cellulase, and xylanase activities, respectively. Our findings show that phylogenetically diverse bacteria, including many new species, could be cultured from the marine arctic environment. The Arctic polar environment is still an untapped reservoir of biodiversity for bioprospecting.